The University of Vienna is a community of over 10,000 individuals, including approximately 7,500 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral 

40 Faculty of Historical and Cultural Studies  

Job vacancy starting: 01/12/2026 | Working hours:  30,00  | Classification CBA: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc) 

Limited contract until: 01/11/2030

Job ID: 4719

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where over 7,500 brilliant minds have found a unique balance of freedom and support. Join us if you’re passionate about groundbreaking international research and academic excellence.

Your institutional home:

As one of the largest research institutions in Europe, the University of Vienna supports an exceptionally wide range of disciplines and therefore offers an outstanding infrastructure for transdisciplinary research in the humanities. We are looking for an innovative and analytical researcher for the position of a predoctoral assistant in the History of the High Middle Ages. You will be part of the Department of History and the Institute of Austrian Historical Research and will work closely with colleagues here in Vienna as well as with international research networks. 
The duration of employment is 4 years. Initially limited to 1.5 years, the employment relationship is automatically extended to 4 years if the employer does not terminate it within the first 12 months by submitting a non-extension declaration

Your future responsibilities:

Active participation in research, teaching and administration, which involves:

• Researching, writing and completing a doctoral thesis. We expect the successful candidate to sign a doctoral thesis agreement with the faculty within the first 12 months.
• Establishment of an independent research profile
• Publications in (international) journals and participation in (international) conferences
• Involvement in the organization of meetings, conferences, symposia and workshops
• Participation in the preparation of research projects / research studies and in acquiring third-party funding
• Participation in teaching and independent teaching of courses and student supervision in Medieval History as defined by the collective agreement
• Involvement in department administration, as well as in teaching and research administration
• Participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance

Your profile:

• Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in history or a related subject (certificate must be available by the date of employment at the latest).
• They have a planned dissertation project on a topic related to the history of Europe in the High Middle Ages (c. 1000 – c. 1300). A planned project in the field of social, economic, and/or political history of the High Middle Ages is advantageous.
• They have knowledge of several areas of medieval European history.
• They work well in a team and are interested in engaging actively in the social life of the department.
• They have or will obtain in their first two years in the position a documented fluency in German (written and spoken). Language acquisition is supported during the employment period.
• They have very good English language skills (written and spoken).
• They have very good Latin language skills.
• Experience with interdisciplinary theories and methods in medieval studies is of advantage.
• Familiarity with procedures and structures of university administration is advantageous, as is experience abroad.

What we offer:

• You will be employed for 30 hours/week. At least 10 hours/week are available for independent academic work, in particular for your dissertation, as well as relevant training and further education.
• Employment starts on January 12, 2026.
• Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The base salary of EUR 3.714,80 per month (full time basis; 14 x per year) for a period of four years will be increased if we can credit professional experience. Taxes include health insurance, social security and pension.
• The place of work is Vienna, when not traveling for research and conferences. We provide a workspace in a shared office.  

It is that easy to apply:

Applications can be submitted in German or English and must include

•    a letter of motivation
•    description of a prospective doctoral project (3-4 pages plus sources and bibliography)
•    a CV 
•    degree certificates 

Please note that we may ask you to submit writing samples (publications, seminar papers, etc.) at a later date if necessary.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Univ.-Prof. Jonathan Lyon, PhD

jonathan.lyon@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 10/20/2025